Intraoral open reduction with rigid internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures

Open reduction of subcondylar fractures achieves precise anatomic alignment of bony fragments and may prevent the postoperative sequelae seen with some closed reductions. Using an extraoral approach, a fracture can be easily seen and manipulated. An intraoral approach avoids large facial scars, facial nerve injury, and allows visualization of the occlusion during the procedure. Cases for this technique should be carefully selected.